Talk It Over

1. What did God say to you from the message? What affirmed your walk with God? What stuck out and challenged your walk with God?

2. Brian talked about sanctification. In your own words, describe what is sanctification. How does your definition compare to 2 Corinthians 7:1 which says, “let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” Bases on the verse there anything you should add or take away from your idea of sanctification? How does this verse challenge your life?

3. Often life is full of curve balls and challenges, how strong would you rate your identity and foundation in Christ through those challenges? 1 Corinthians 6:11 says, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” Describe how significant is it in your life that you are positionally a saint - set apart to God the moment you called on Jesus. How does it make you feel knowing that Saint Paul, Saint Mary, Saint Peter, Saint Jude are not any more a Saint than you are right now?

Brian used an example of the lollipop to illustrate growing more like Jesus? Talk about your transformation and how your growth and sanctification (the lollipop) happened in your life?
Philippians 2:12-13 says, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Retell this passage your words? How does this verse illustrate that God plays as part and we play a part of growing closer to him? What would need to change in your life for you to grow closer to Jesus?